Japan Auto Output Up 4.5 Pct in June

Tokyo, July 30, 2008; Jiji Press reported that Japan's automobile output in June grew 4.5 pct from a year before to 1,034,317 units, up for the 11th straight month, an industry group said Wednesday.

Production of passenger cars increased 4.6 pct to 885,799 units, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said.

Output of trucks rose 1.7 pct to 136,763 units and that of bases grew 32.4 pct to 11,755 units.

In January-June, auto production increased 6.0 pct to 6,057,044 units.

The nation's auto exports in June rose 5.5 pct to 594,684 units, up for the 35th consecutive month.

In the first half of 2008, exports increased 12.7 pct to 3,505,805 units.